Ibn Rushd Library

Children of Al Aqaba and neighboring areas continue to benefit from Ibn Rushd Library in so many ways. Apart from book reading sessions, Librarian Shafeqa organized many activities for the children these past few months. Many activities were organized in coordination with other organizations. 

• Shafeqa makes sure children have a good time at the library. After reading books to the children, she engages them in lively discussions. She also encourages children to use their imagination to draw storybook characters. By using simple materials such as plastic dishes, cardboard, and sticks, children create characters from the storybook. Sometimes, children do role play. Shafeqa believes such activities make reading fun!

• The library welcomes visitors from other areas. Children from Tayaseer who don’t have a library are regular visitors of Ibn Rushd Library. Tayaseer is a village not too far from Al Aqaba.

• Ibn Rushd Library also received children from the Jordan Valley who were introduced to the library facilities. Children borrowed books for reading.  

• Under the guidance of librarian Shafeqa, children took part in the “National Reading Week '' celebrations held in the Governorates of Jenin and Tubas. There were many activities such as reading, painting, games, story-telling sessions, an exhibition, etc. 

• The library has launched an art program to polish the artistic talent of young artists in Al Aqaba and neighboring areas. Drawing lessons have been given at the library regularly since February. Children are making great progress and getting better at their craft. Shafeqa has designated one corner of the library for these young artists who sometimes like to draw for hours. 

• Shafeqa organized a series of workshops for teenagers as part of a joint initiative with the Ma’an Development Action Center. These sessions are designed to help children adapt to the changes of life in a positive manner. Teenagers from Al Aqaba and Tayaseer have been attending these sessions since January this year.

• An educational meeting for the children on ‘Gender-Based Violence’ was held in partnership with the Tayaseer Council and the Young Women's Christian Association.

• In the wake of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, children expressed their sympathy and grief for the affected families. They painted flags of Turkey and Syria to show solidarity with the people in these countries. 

• In partnership with the Young Women's Christian Association, an activity was arranged in which the roles and responsibilities of each individual in society were explained. Children talked about their neighborhood, what they like, what they don't, and what they would like to change. They were encouraged to take the initiatives to help their community. As a first step, the children cleaned up some parts of the village of Tayaseer. 

Because of your support, Ibn Rushd Library has become a vibrant hub for local children. Thank you!